" Can Cats Eat Popcorn? – Wild Earth
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A fluffy kitten sits in a large red-and-white popcorn bucket, surrounded by scattered popcorn. The text next to the bucket reads "Can Cats Eat Popcorn?"

Can Cats Eat Popcorn?

by Aleena Ali Published on

Summary

  • Feeding popcorn to cats is generally not recommended due to lack of nutritional value, potential for digestive upset, and choking hazards (especially unpopped kernels).

  • Popcorn with toppings like salt, butter, oils, garlic, onion, chocolate, caramel, artificial flavorings are even riskier and harmful to cats.

  • If a cat consumes popcorn, monitor them closely, seek immediate veterinary attention if they eat flavored popcorn or show signs of choking.

  • Safer alternatives for cat treats include cooked, unseasoned meats or vet-formulated options like Wild Earth's plant-based treats.

Although a cat can technically eat a very small, plain, air-popped piece of popcorn, it's generally not recommended. So, to answer the question in the title, yes, they can, but it's not ideal.

Why is Plain Popcorn not Good for Cats?

Having the knowledge is crucial for safeguarding your pets health and well-being, as certain components of popcorn can pose risks to their digestive system and overall health. 

Understanding these reasons empowers you to make informed decisions about your pets' diets. Even without butter, salt, or toppings, popcorn just doesn’t work as a cat treat. Here’s why:

No Real Nutritional value

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need protein from meat to stay healthy. Popcorn is just carbs, it fills their stomach but doesn’t give them the nutrients they need. 

According to PetMD, popcorn offers zero nutritional value to cats and can even contribute to obesity over time.

Can also be a Choking Risk

Popcorn's seemingly harmless can be deadly to your cat as their shape can obstruct a cat's airway. Unpopped kernels are even more dangerous, those small, hard pieces that can:

  • Chip or crack teeth

  • Become lodged in the throat

  • Cause dangerous internal blockages if swallowed

The American Veterinary Dental College warns that hard foods not specifically designed for cats can lead to long-term dental damage.

  1. Digestive Problems

A cat's digestive system, designed for meat, struggles with grains like corn found in popcorn. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, as their sensitive systems can't properly digest it. Symptoms worsen with added flavorings, butter, or salt.

Why Popcorn Toppings Make It Risky for Cats?

Plain, air-popped popcorn might seem harmless for cats, but the toppings we add are a significant health hazard for them. Most human popcorn consumption involves flavorings, and these additions make popcorn unsafe for cats, even in small amounts.

Common toppings pose severe risks:

  • Salt: Can cause dehydration and salt poisoning (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, seizures, coma, potentially fatal).

  • Butter & Oils: High in calories and difficult to digest, leading to gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea, abdominal pain) and potentially pancreatitis (painful, life-threatening inflammation).

  • Garlic & Onion Powder: Toxic Allium compounds damage red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia (weakness, lethargy, pale gums, rapid breathing, collapse). Effects can be delayed.

  • Chocolate & Caramel: Chocolate contains toxic theobromine, causing vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, tremors, seizures, heart problems, and death. Caramel's high sugar content leads to digestive upset, obesity, dental issues, and potential diabetes.

  • Cheese Powders: High in salt, artificial flavors, and often contain lactose, leading to digestive upset in lactose-intolerant cats.

  • Artificial Butter Flavoring (Diacetyl): Potential link to respiratory issues in animals, though research is limited; best to avoid.

Therefore, never give flavored popcorn to your cat, regardless of the type. Even though you might enjoy some corn, cheesy popcorn or buttery movie-style popcorn, it's crucial that your cat never consumes these treats.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats Popcorn?

If your cat has consumed popcorn, take appropriate action for their well-being. Your response should depend on the type and quantity of popcorn eaten. Prompt action can help prevent potential health issues and ensure your cat's safety.

Remain calm, and respond based on what they ate:

  • Small piece of plain popcorn: Typically not an emergency. Monitor for signs of choking, vomiting, or diarrhea.

  • Flavored popcorn: Contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately for help.

  • If your cat is choking: This is a definite emergency. Seek veterinary care without delay.

Healthier & Safer Treat Options for Your Cat’s Health

When selecting treats for your cat, prioritizing their well-being by choosing healthier and safer options. Human foods, such as popcorn, often lack vital nutritional value and can even be detrimental to your pets health without you even knowing about it. 

Opting for species-appropriate snacks ensures your feline companion receives the correct nutrients and avoids potential health risks associated with unsuitable treats. If you wish to share a snack with your cat consider:

  • Small, unseasoned, boneless pieces of cooked chicken, turkey, or fish.

  • High-quality cat treats specifically formulated for felines.

A healthy choice by many pet owners is Wild Earth’s vet-formulated plant-based treats. Their treats are safe, easily digestible, and genuinely nutritious.

Quick Facts

  • Popcorn isn’t toxic but it is a choking hazard and offers no nutritional value.

  • Many cats are more interested in batting popcorn around like a toy than eating it. It’s fine as a plaything just supervise and remove it before they chew!

  • According to Pet Poison Helpline, seasonings like garlic, onions, and chocolate are some of the most dangerous food toxins for cats.

FAQs

Can cats eat plain, air-popped popcorn?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended, it’s a choking risk and has no benefits.

What happens if my cat eats buttered popcorn?
Butter and oils can upset their stomach and cause vomiting or diarrhea.

Is popcorn toxic to cats?
Plain popcorn isn’t toxic. The danger is in the toppings like garlic, onions, chocolate, and caramel.

What should I give my cat instead?
Safer treats include small amounts of cooked chicken, turkey, fish, or Wild Earth’s vet-formulated plant-based treats.

Final Verdict

A tiny piece of plain, air-popped popcorn probably won’t hurt your cat but it also won’t help them. Popcorn is nutritionally empty, hard to digest, and a choking risk. The real danger comes from flavored popcorn, which can contain toxic seasonings like garlic, onion, or chocolate. If your cat eats that, call your vet immediately.

So, while the occasional popcorn crumb isn’t likely to cause harm, it’s best to avoid giving cats popcorn altogether. Instead, stick to safe, healthy options like cooked meats or Wild Earth’s vet-approved treats. Your cat will be happier and healthier.

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